Memorial Day

Memorial Day, which originated after the Civil War, commemorates the sacrifices of those who have fought and died in the American armed forces. Interpreters have long noted the aura of sacredness that surrounds the holiday’s traditional observances, and many have called Memorial Day central to America’s “civil religion.” Evangelicals have typically been enthusiastic participants in such patriotic celebrations, but certain critics have come to fear an unbiblical conflation of God and country.